It was an exciting day when we learned Mitt Romney had chosen Congressman Paul Ryan to be his Vice Presidential running mate. Serving as the House Budget Committee Chairman, we knew of Paul’s reputation for hard work, excellence, and leadership. We knew he was serious about getting government spending under control.

It was a true pleasure getting to know Paul and his wonderful family better as they accepted the call to help Governor Romney restore America.

Many others recognize this historic day, as well. Here’s what they’re saying about Romney/Ryan…

BIPARTISAN SUPPORT FOR SELECTION OF PAUL RYAN:

“A Good Pick” … “A Choice To Have A Real Debate” … “Interested In Bold Reforms To Save America”

Former Arkansas Governor Mike Huckabee: “I’m Excited. … He Has A Sound Knowledge Of Our Economy.” “I’m excited to learn of Mitt Romney’s choice of Paul Ryan to be his VP running mate. He has a sound knowledge of our economy.” (Twitter.com, 8/11/12)

Former Representative Joe Sestak (D-PA): “I Think It’s A Good Pick … He’s A Good Guy.” SESTAK: “I think it’s a good pick for both campaigns, actually. … I served with Paul Ryan. He’s a good guy. He is a good family man.” (Fox News’ “Fox And Friends,” 8/11/12)

Club For Growth President Chris Chocola: “This Pick Sends The Message That Governor Romney Is Interested In Bold Reforms To Save America From Fiscal Collapse.” (Club For Growth, 8/11/12)

Democratic Strategist Joe Trippi: “I Think This Is A Great Pick. … I Really Think It Is A Chance To Have A Real Debate The Country Needs To Have. … A Bold Choice.” TRIPPI: “I think this is a great pick. It is a pick I would have urged Romney to take. … I really think it is a chance to have a real debate the country needs to have. Regardless of who wins it, I think Ryan helps put the issues, a lot of these issues front and center. Will make the fight on both sides on cuts entitlements and the things we need to have. That’s why I really– I commend Romney on the pick. It was a bold choice.” (Fox News’ “Cavuto On Business,” 8/11/12)

Republican Strategist Alex Castellanos: Mitt Romney “Picked A Vice President To Help Him Fix The Nation’s Business, The Economy.” “[Romney] didn’t pick a vice president to help him fix his campaign’s business. He picked a vice president to help him fix the nation’s business, the economy.” (Politico, 8/11/12)

Democratic Strategist Donna Brazile: “It May Allow Us To Have A Substantive Conversation In Terms Of The Challenges We Face Long-Term In Terms Of Getting Our Fiscal House In Order.” (CNN’s “Newsroom,” 8/11/12)

Republican Strategist Ed Rollins: “It’s A Bold Choice. Over Time It’s Going To Be An Extraordinary Choice.” ROLLINS: “I think that absolutely right. … It’s a bold choice. Over time it’s going to be an extraordinary choice.” (Fox News’ “Fox and Friends Saturday,” 8/11/12)

Democratic Strategist Carter Eskew: “But Here’s Why I Like The Pick Of Ryan. At Least He Has An Idea … Maybe, Too, Democrats Will Be Forced To Discuss Their Alternative In Greater Detail.” “But here’s why I like the pick of Ryan. At least he has an idea … Maybe we can finally have a real discussion of the Republican agenda. And maybe, too, Democrats will be forced to discuss their alternative in greater detail.” (The Washington Post, 8/11/12)

Get the idea that more than a few Democrats are sick of Obama’s lie and blame campaign strategy?

As you read further about R&R, listen to this inspiring music which reflects what so many are feeling today – ENTHUSIASM, JOY, and HOPE for our beleaguered, but beloved nation! From one of my favorite composers, American genius John Williams, here is Summon the Heroes. (Aptly named; crank it up!)

NJ Governor Chris Christie: “With Paul Ryan on the ticket this is a team that understands the economic stagnation our country has been facing the last four years and the urgency with which we need to change course. The Romney-Ryan team is uniquely positioned to make the tough choices necessary to confront our fiscal challenges and get results.”

Senator Rob Portman (R-OH): “Mitt Romney has made a great choice in Paul Ryan. He is an accomplished public servant and a leading voice on the most pressing issues facing our country. Paul is one of my best friends in Congress and someone I have worked closely with as a former colleague on the House Ways & Means Committee. Jane and I wish Paul and Janna and their kids the very best. As the Chairman of the Romney campaign in Ohio, I look forward to working with Paul to ensure that the Romney-Ryan ticket carries Ohio and is victorious in November. Most importantly, as a member of the Senate, I look forward to working closely with a Romney-Ryan Administration to restore fiscal sanity and enact pro-growth policies to create jobs.“

Governor Tim Pawlenty (R-MN) Unable to locate full statement at this time. He’s campaigning today for Romney/Ryan in Derry, NH): Pawlenty says he is excited about the pick and called Ryan a “respected leader and a bold thinker” about changes needed for the country. He added that Ryan’s roots in Wisconsin will help Romney win that key swing state. He says he’ll do all he can to help Romney win the election.

Former Sec. of State Condoleeza Rice: “Paul Ryan is a bold and inspiring choice as Governor Romney’s running mate. Congressman Ryan shares the belief that American leadership is vital to a more peaceful and prosperous world. He will help to restore America at home so that we can lead again because he understands that America is an exceptional and indispensable nation on the world stage.”

Senator Marco Rubio: “Throughout his life, Mitt Romney has made great decisions, and choosing Paul Ryan as his running mate is a truly inspired choice. I got to know Paul during my Senate campaign when he endorsed me early on when I was still considered a long shot. Paul Ryan is a courageous reformer who understands our nation’s challenges, has proposed bold policy solutions to solve them, and has shown the courage to stand up to President Obama and other Washington politicians trying to tear him down.

“The Romney-Ryan ticket is going to win in November because it offers the American people visionary leadership to recapture the free enterprise spirit that has empowered countless Americans to build businesses from scratch and live the American dream. I’m excited about the visionary change a Romney-Ryan team will bring to Washington, and I look forward to campaigning with them this fall.”

Governor Bob McDonnell (R-VA): “Paul Ryan is a tremendous choice to serve as the Republican nominee for Vice President of the United States. In selecting a bold, innovative thinker, Mitt Romney has ensured that his campaign—and ultimately his administration—will be led by individuals with courage, determination, judgment, and wisdom. With this great announcement, America is on its way back. The Romney-Ryan team will get our fiscal house in order, our economy back on track and Americans back to work.”

Governor Bobby Jindal (R-LA): “Paul is a good friend and one of the smartest guys I served with in Congress. He has the courage of his convictions, which is what our nation needs.”

Senate Republican Leader Mitch McConnell: “Gov. Romney showed today that he is determined to confront a host of growing crises that President Obama has ignored. Where the current President has simply refused to act, Gov. Romney has now pledged to lead. Paul Ryan is an excellent choice, and a confirmation that Gov. Romney is serious about strengthening America’s economic future, tackling the deficits and debt that have skyrocketed under President Obama, and returning to a path to solvency and security.

“Americans are looking for leadership that has been lacking on the most critical issues facing our country’s economic future. The Romney-Ryan team can return much-needed leadership from day one and help bring real recovery to our economy, reverse the damage of the Obama economy, and take a serious approach to the Obama debt and focus on growing jobs—not the size of the government.

“President Obama’s term has been marked by overwhelming national debt, a first-ever downgrade of America’s credit rating, high unemployment and a disappointing lack of leadership when it comes to addressing spending. It’s time to change that, and Gov. Romney and Chairman Ryan will be ready on day one to give America the leadership it deserves.”

President George W. Bush: “This is a strong pick. Governor Romney is serious about confronting the long-term challenges facing America, and Paul Ryan will help him solve the difficult issues that must be addressed for future generations.”

Senator John McCain (R-Az): “Governor Romney and Representative Ryan are the strongest team to return America to prosperity and to defend our interests abroad. Paul Ryan has proven that he is fully prepared to address our nation’s economic challenges, which have only worsened over the last four years under the Obama-Biden Administration. I look forward to working for the election of the Romney-Ryan team this fall.”